Adult BJJ in Islington: Gi and No-Gi
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is the art of controlling a bigger, stronger opponent with leverage and technique rather than strength or striking. Our adult programme is a proper technical game, Gi and No-Gi, for everyone from first-timers to competitors. Small classes, real coaching, and a calm, ego-free room where nobody has to prove anything.
We train at Finsbury Leisure Centre (EC1), easy to reach from Old Street, Angel, Barbican and Farringdon.
Led by Abbie O'Toole
Our programme is led by Abbie O’Toole, a black belt and multiple IBJJF Open gold medallist who competes at the highest level. She coaches a precise, patient, technical game, and the coaches who rate her most are other female black belts. You will learn the same technique she competes with, pitched to wherever you are now.
What training looks like
Beginners start with fundamentals and are never thrown in the deep end. As you progress you train both Gi and No-Gi, with live rounds dialled to your level rather than to the biggest person in the room. Whether you want to compete or simply get fit, sharp and calmer under pressure, the path is the same: turn up, learn, roll, improve.
If you want striking-based self defence as well, our sister school runs Krav Maga: Kinetic Zen.
Adult timetable
| Day | Time | Class |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | 18:30 to 20:00 | Adult Gi |
| Wednesday | 18:30 to 19:30 | Adult No-Gi |
| Wednesday | 19:30 to 20:30 | Adult Gi |
| Saturday | 11:00 to 12:45 | Adult Grappling for self defence, followed by coffee |
Membership
Membership is £80 a month and covers the existing BJJ and grappling classes. No long contracts, just a rolling monthly membership with no joining fees or mandatory uniforms.
Founding member offer. We are building our Wednesday nights, and the first 15 people to join can do it as founding members at £60 a month, locked at that rate for as long as you keep training with us. Be one of the original crew. [Limited: first 15 members, or join by 30 September, whichever comes first.]
Ask us on WhatsApp or see the pricing page for full details.
Common questions
I have never grappled. Will I cope? Yes. Beginners start every month, and fundamentals are built into how we teach. Nobody expects you to arrive knowing anything.
Do I need to be fit or flexible first? No. You get fit by training, not before it.
Gi or No-Gi? Try both. Gi is the traditional kimono; No-Gi is shorts and a rashguard. Most people end up enjoying both.
What should I wear to a trial? Shorts or leggings and a t-shirt or rashguard, and bring water. We can probably lend you a Gi if you need one
How do I start? Book a trial on WhatsApp.